A new analysis reveals the staggering cost of air pollution, equating a year of human life to a substantial monetary value.
Zoë Schlanger reports for The Atlantic.
In short:
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) values a statistical lifetime at approximately $11.5 million, translating to about $250,000 per year.
- This valuation is crucial for the EPA's calculations in determining the financial benefits of preventing early deaths through environmental regulations.
- The agency's focus is on the economic gains from making air and water cleaner, which extends human life and reduces healthcare costs.
Why this matters:
Understanding the economic impact of air pollution is vital. It not only affects our health but also has significant financial implications. This article sheds light on the hidden costs of environmental neglect, emphasizing the need for stronger clean-air policies to protect public health and reduce economic burdens.
Related: In polluted cities, reducing air pollution could lower cancer rates as much as eliminating smoking would.
